Caley Thistle manager John Hughes has criticised Scottish football authorities for condensing seven fixtures into what he believes is the worst month for clubs and supporters alike.
The busy January schedule has not hindered Inverness’ start to the new year, with the Highlanders’ 100% record in 2015 remaining intact.
However, with four games to be played in the next 15 days, Hughes has questioned why so many matches have been crammed into a financially challenging month for supporters, when weather conditions are poor.
Hughes said: “I do believe the change in the weather makes a massive difference. You get heavy pitches, but someone has come up with an idea that we play seven games in January. Who is that genius?
“January is probably the worst month of the year. Supporters have no money at this time of the year. It’s freezing, yet it’s a spectator sport.
“Why are we not playing so many more games earlier in the season, when you’ve got growth in the grass, and when supporters want to come and watch in their t-shirts? We can even work towards a winter break or less games in January.
Hughes believes key decisions such as the scheduling of fixtures should be taken by people who have experience within the game.
Hughes added: “When is Scottish football going to get football guys in, past and present, to sit around the table? Get all the administrators out the way and let’s go and do something that’s the best for Scottish football.
“I go to management meetings. Every time you come up with something, I keep hearing this voice saying ‘we’re under the banner of Uefa, we can’t do this’, and yet I’m looking at Louis van Gaal at Manchester United saying it’s Uefa criteria you can’t play two games within 48 hours because you can’t recover.
“He’s 100% correct, yet the English FA sticks two fingers up to them and does what’s best for English football.
“Don’t tell me we’re under that Uefa banner – we need to do what’s best for Scottish football.
“I’m coming up for 50 now. I’m probably one of the oldest guys in management. It’s about time someone stood up and listened.
“If we’re not getting together and we’re not strong, it’s going to keep going on and on, and you’ll get administrators making these decisions. We won’t get consulted.”